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Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also known as "sticker" price, is a recommended selling price that automakers give a new car that is above the invoice price paid by the dealer. It is a price that does not include any options that can be added to a particular car style. When shown as a range, the prices are starting MSRPs, without options, for multiple styles for that model.

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1-10 of 26 reviews

Exactly as you would imagine it to be

by MWF from Northern, NJ | August 10, 2014

After 24 years of waiting, several months of looking and a few months of ownership, I can confirm that the 2006 C4S is the car you (or at least I had) hoped it would be. A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) by an independent Bosch Certified Porsche specialist is a MUST, even if purchasing from a dealership. I had to walk away from a few different cars (very difficult to do sometimes) because of the questions and/or issues the PPI raised. Also, to keep in mind: a properly cared for car with higher miles is often just as good (if not better) than the garage queen with almost no miles on it...these cars were meant to be driven, not parked. A 911 with the right 'story', proper maintenance records and, a clean PPI (by someone who really knows what they're doing) should be a big help to purchasing with confidence, regardless of mileage.
Heads up: Biggest weakness in the car is it's entertainment system. The integrated antenna can barely hold a signal, No AUX input to the system (for iphone/ipod, etc), there is no satellite radio, or bluetooth/hands-free capabilities. Entering the address for the factory Nav is an exercise in frustration too, though directions & prompts have been pretty accurate thus far. Alas, no one buys these cars for the radio, but It's something to know...and If you're so-inclined there are after-market solutions to these inconsequential problems.

Not sure why I waited so long.

by Mr. Pie from Kirkland, WA | February 3, 2014

I recently purchased a 2006 C4S Cab and the only disappointment I have is that I should have purchased it much sooner. Yes, its a little pricey, yes, there is limited storage space, but dollar for dollar when comparing a sports car of this caliber to others in the market, hands down it's best in class.

Carrera S, things to know.

by Porschephile from Reno, Nv | December 18, 2012

First off, let me start by saying, dont be fooled into thinking that by spending more money for a car you are getting the very best built product that money can buy. This is not true, and holds true for Porsche's as well as Ferrari's and Lambo's. you are buying exclusivity and a badge more so than a phenomenally built product. They are sports cars first and foremost, and luxury vehicles dead last. They all squeak and rattle (stiff chassis), they are all loud on the road (light weight and no sound absorbption) and they all have mechanical quirks. They are not as reliable as Toyota's and Honda's, but if you know anything about vehicle design and thermodynamics you understand that purpose built sports cars are amazing feats of engineering.
Now onto Porsche 997 Gen 1 Carrera S.
As far as a fun factor and chassis dynamics, this car is brilliant. With the PASM system it is the best of both worlds. I highly recommend this car with PASM, it is a system that works brillantly to provide a supple ride when in Normal mode, and a after-market suspension feel when in Sport mode. Its the one thing that impressed me the most when I started driving this car.
911's are loud. Rated the 2nd loudest car behind the Lamborghini. And im not talking engine loud, I'm talking driving around wind noise and tire noise loud. My wifes BMW is like an empty conference room compared to a packed football stadium which is a 911. So dont buy it expecting it to be a refined, quiet, experience.
Now to the things that dissapoint me about Porsche.
Porsche also adopted Toyota's Lean manufacturing and so money no object went out the window and money saving became the entire focus.
For example, all 911's historically were true dry-sump engines. This means they were true racing engines, and they cost more to build because of it. Small airplane motors have to be dry-sump motors so that the engine continues to get oil even when up-side-down, in fact Porsche used to make an aviation motor because their design was inherently good for it. Starting with the 996 of 1999, they started building two different engines, one for the normal 911 which was no longer a true dry sump and another for the more expensive models like the GT3 and Turbo which were true dry sump motors and built like the products of old. Dont be fooled when you read that they have "integrated dry sump" motors. That is not a true dry sump engine and is a fancy way of saying that it has an oil pan.
So because of this change in philosophy, Porsche now builds two different levels of motor. What I call the true, money no object motor, and the normal, everyday driver motor. Example: cost of new GT3 motor is $60k, cost of new normal 997 3.8 motor is $20k. Think there is some quality differences there?
So if you are interested in buying a 997 gen 1 car, just know, that it should be okay as a 7/10ths sports car, but there are some design flaws in the motor that could creep up if these cars are pushed very very hard.
You want to have an oil analysis done for sure!
Also have the oil filter cut open and inspected for metal frags.
Have the sparks plugs removed and have a bore scope inserted in all the cylinders to check for cylinder wall scoring, mainly happens on the two cylinders on the passenger side, closest to the front of the car ( cyl 5 and 6)
Inspect the water pump for weaping or leaks and check that the pulley isn't wobbly.
Some other issues is they can be hard to get into first gear when cold, common problem, can live with it.
If the car has aftermarket exhaust, can have a stutter if in Sport mode when accelerating hard from low rpms. Another common issue, that you can learn to drive around but is annoying. After market exhaust seems to be the common cause.
Now all of that being said... I drive mine daily, have 82k on the odometer and have changed the water pump and have added an additional radiator, and I change the oil more ften than recommended and the car has been great. But I dont drive it hard like I did my Turbo either.
If you want to drive the wheels off it, get a GT3 or Turbo.

If you love to drive, you can not go wrong.

by Carrera 4 from Myrtle Beach, SC | October 1, 2012

If you love to drive you will not go wrong with a Porsche. This is my second one and the difference between my 2002 and the "new" 2006 are dramatic. Mine is all wheel drive and it is just simply the best at cornering and hugging the road. I am now drving my dream car. WOW!

Porsche 911 s

by Hot Rod71 from Sam Jose, ca | July 25, 2012

Hottest car I have ever owned. One word: DEPENDABLE!
The thing is built like a tractor. You could plow the farm with them. Obviously, I would never do something like that with a work of art, but if needed, it is capable...

2006 Porsche Carrera S Cabriolet

by Tmoney from Washington, DC | March 23, 2012

I bought my dream car last year - it's a 2006 Porsche Carrera S4 Cabriolet. i bought it from a private owner. It was worth the wait after 30 years of dreaming. The car simply performs. The all wheel drive hugs the road at high speeds, the acceleration is awesome and makes for an unbeleivable ride when in the Sport mode. Sometimes I enjoy watching my lady drive it around the driveway just so I can capture looking at it and listening to it. I love the exhaust tone. Get one as soon as you can. You won't regret it!

Carrera 4 Hot Wheels

by Once again Porsche Owner from San Francisco Bay Area | December 6, 2011

As a previous 911 owner (74 Targa) and regrettably selling in the late '90's, I looked for over six months at late model 911's available on the previous owned market. I came across a posting for a 2006 Carerra 4 with only 9300 miles. The test drive and PPI were without compromise. Since then, the vehicle has been a blast to drive, performs all tasks without hesitation, and I have never second guessed my decision to purchase this used vehicle. My only criticism is the harsh and noisy ride over concrete and rough asphalt. This may be partially due to the tires. If you are considering a used 911 purchase, do your homework on reliability issues, be prepared for high repair costs when they do come up (or purchase a service contract if you don't want to worry), and test drive several vehicles.